Last week the National Journal headlined, "BIG OIL TAKES GLOVES OFF IN ETHANOL FIGHT."
The argument is this: The cost of producing ethanol from corn is food insecurity.
Playing into their argument this year is the terrible drought that was and is smothering many parts of the U.S.—including the heart of our corn producing lands. It is in fact this drought, which has persisted in many regions for more than two years, that has spurred corn prices to current heights.
But before anyone buys the argument that ethanol is to blame for these higher prices, they should consider the following key facts:Fact 1—If it weren't for ethanol, we would not have as many acres planted to corn.Read the full story

Agriculture is a vital part of this nation's history, as well as its future. Our farmers and ranchers produced $132 billion in exports alone in 2011, and are the life's blood of one of the few bright spots in our economy today. Use our interactive map below to learn more about each state's contribution to this thriving economic engine. Source: United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service